Rodney Heath Jr. is chasing a dream that runs in the family. The former Lakota East High School track star, who hasn't played organized football since 2019, is now aiming for the NFL, following in the footsteps of his father, former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Rodney Heath Sr.

After wrapping up a decorated collegiate track career at Louisiana Tech in 2024, where he turned pro and clocked a blistering 9.99-second school record in the 100-meter dash, Heath felt the pull back to the gridiron. To prepare, he's been training intensely with his father, Lakota East football coach Jon Kitna, and Kitna's son, former UAB quarterback Jalen Kitna.

That preparation paid off with an invitation to the Bengals' local player pre-draft workout at Paycor Stadium this week. Heath was one of 32 local prospects showcasing their skills, a significant step for an athlete making a late positional switch. In high school, playing in a run-heavy offense, he had just three receptions, spending more time as a cornerback—a background he believes gives him a unique mental edge as he now trains primarily as a wide receiver.

"Just grace of God, the opportunity presented itself," Heath said of his journey. He even paused his professional track career this past indoor season to fully focus on his football comeback. As he is now two years removed from college, Heath enters the professional pool as a free agent, ready to sprint toward this new goal with the same speed that made him a state champion and an NCAA All-American.